Cattle slaughter increased by 20% weekly

Cattle slaughter rebounded from the previous week's low, rising 20% to around 45,000 head. According to INAC, 45,803 cattle were slaughtered in the week ending March 15, an increase of nearly 7,500 head compared to the previous week, although still 2% lower than the 47,000 head processed during the same period last year.

The growth was primarily driven by steers, which increased 24% weekly to 22,837 head, the highest in four weeks. Cow slaughter rose 13% to 14,866 head, while heifer slaughter increased 21% to 7,299 head.

The most active plants were Marfrig-Tacuarembó (6,198) and the two Urgal family plants, San Jacinto (3,961) and Pando (3,951). In four plants, Marfrig slaughtered 14,311 cattle, Minerva 11,898, and the Urgal family 7,912. These three companies accounted for 74% of the total weekly slaughter.

During the first half of March, 84,115 cattle entered slaughter plants, 9.3% less than during the same period last year. The total number of animals processed so far this year reached 492,946, reflecting a marginal 0.4% increase.

Sheep slaughter increased by around 1,000 head

Sheep slaughter increased by approximately 1,000 head compared to the previous week. INAC reported that 9,822 sheep were processed, with almost the same number of lambs (4,098) as ewes (4,075).

The most active plants were San Jacinto (5,956), Las Piedras (3,497), and Cuareim (266).